Ranger Heads

[Fraser1989]

I am thinking of putting a new set of heads on the ranger as its getting older and higher in mileage. Its still running ok for now but I do not expect more than another 20k out of it.
I am under the assumption I needs some new push rods and possibly lifters and while I am doing all of that I figure I may as well put a new set of heads on it.
I have done some reading and it seems a few members have found places that actually sell new and not remanufactured heads. I am hoping you guys can point me in the right directions to check out whats out there.

 

[jhammel85]

If the heads aren't cracked, Gaskets aren't leaking and you have no compression problems due to valve damage, I see no point in changing them.

I'd save your money if it's running fine.

 

[97RangerXLT]

I agree with Jhammel on this one. besides if the engine is worn out, putting new heads on it will not help anything since the bottom half will probably have shot bearings and rings. Just drive it and keep an eye out for an entire engine. And I wouldn't buy a new engine for it until it actually needs it. Chances are the one you have in there might go quite a bit more than the 20k you are estimating, you might hit a deer, a stupid driver may hit you, The transmission might crap out, Jesus might make his second return, all of which will make getting an engine for it now a waste of money...

AJ

 

[adsm08]

The heads are a hard part and by themselves do not wear out from normal use.

The wear items are the rings, bearings, and to a lesser extent the oil pump, all contained in the rotating assembly of the block.

So if you have genuine issues and don't have a good reason to suspect a problem with the heads themselves a total rebuild or a reman engine would be the more appropriate course of action.

 

[Mark_88]

yep...go all the way or stay home...

Just finished replacing the head on my 2.3...it did help in my case because I either had a cracked head (more common on the 2.3) or leaky valve seals...or both...

And now I still have the blow-by but it does run better and uses much less oil (was using about a litre every 100 KM)...

And I couldn't see what engine you have...other than it's probably a V6 since you mentioned the "heads" as in plural...or the year of your truck...that might make some difference in advice given if there was a problem with particular years...

 

[adsm08]

And I couldn't see what engine you have...other than it's probably a V6 since you mentioned the "heads" as in plural...or the year of your truck...that might make some difference in advice given if there was a problem with particular years...

This isn't his first thread about wanting to just replace the heads or other weird stuff (fuel, spark, air but no start, etc). He is working with a 4.0.